Initial results from the ongoing 28th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Singapore show that at least 7 Zamboangueno athletes won medals, 6 of them gold, as the Philippine delegates are all fired up to accomplish a spectacular performance in the biennial meet.

As this developed, Mayor Beng Climaco commended the Zamboangueno athletes for their efforts and for bringing pride and honor to Zamboanga as she instructed City Sports Director Dr. Cecille Atilano to prepare a special welcome ceremonies befitting heroes, for the athletes.

Early gold medal haulers were Billiards player Chezka Centeno, who won the title in the 9-ball women’s single and boxer Eumir Felix Marcial who won gold in the welterweight division. Softball players Sonny Boy Acunia, Rolando Binarao, Emerson Atilano and Vermond Diaz also hauled gold medals.

Bronze medalist is Alshamir Ibnohasim in the Pencak Silat event.

Mayor Climaco said despite the challenges, the Zamboangueno players have excelled in their individual events – a manifestation of their ability, talents and skills. “We are very proud of them and we thank and congratulate them for their feat.”

The 28th SEA Games is a multi-sport event hosted by the city state of Singapore from June 5-16, 2015. About 7,000 athletes from 11 participating nations are competing in the Games with 402 events in 36 sports featured in the Games.

Other medals were also hauled by other members of the Philippine team participating in the biennial meet. — Sheila Covarrubias